Essential Filipino Phrases For A Carinderia Or Restaurant
Author
One of the best ways to experience Filipino culture is through its food. Whether you’re at a fancy restaurant or a humble roadside carinderia (a local eatery with pre-cooked dishes), knowing a few basic phrases can make your dining experience so much smoother and more enjoyable.
A carinderia is a very common sight in the Philippines. They serve delicious, home-cooked-style meals at affordable prices. The system is often turo-turo (which literally means “point-point”), where you simply point at the dishes you want to order.
This guide will give you the essential phrases you need, from walking in the door to paying your bill. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents:
Getting seated
In most carinderias, seating is informal. You just find an empty table and sit down. In a more formal restaurant, however, you might need to ask for a table, especially if you’re with a group.
Here’s how you can ask for a table:
Mesa para sa dalawa, po.
You can replace dalawa (two) with any number:
- isa (one)
- tatlo (three)
- apat (four)
- lima (five)
May mesa po ba kayo para sa apat?
Asking for the menu
Once you’re seated, you’ll want to see what’s on offer. While the word “menu” is widely understood and used, you can also use the Filipino term.
Pwedeng makita ang menu, po?
In a carinderia, there usually isn’t a written menu. The food is displayed in pots or trays behind a glass counter. This is where the turo-turo or “point-point” system comes in.
Here are phrases you can use in that situation:
Ano po ito?
At ano po ‘yan?
This is a great way to discover new dishes! The server will happily tell you the name of each one.
Ordering your food and drinks
This is the most important part! The most common and polite way to order is by using the phrase “Pabili po ng…” which means “I’d like to buy…” or “Pahingi po ng…” which means “Can I have…“.
Pabili po ng isang adobo.
Pahingi po ng isang sinigang at dalawang kanin.
If you’re not sure what to get, you can always ask for a recommendation.
Ano po ang bestseller ninyo?
Here are some basic food and drink words to get you started:
| Filipino | English |
|---|---|
| Kanin | Rice |
| Tubig | Water |
| Manok | Chicken |
| Baboy | Pork |
| Baka | Beef |
| Isda | Fish |
| Gulay | Vegetables |
| Sabaw | Soup / Broth |
Making special requests
Need more rice or a glass of water? These simple phrases will come in handy. The key phrase here is “Pahingi pa po ng…” (Can I have more of…).
Pahingi pa po ng kanin.
Pahingi po ng tubig.
Pwede po bang walang yelo?
Getting the bill
When you’re full and ready to go, it’s time to ask for the bill. In casual carinderias, you often just go to the counter and tell them what you ate. For sit-down restaurants, you’ll need to ask for the check.
A very common, albeit Taglish (Tagalog-English) way to ask is simply, “Bill out, please.” But if you want to go full Filipino, here are your options:
Magkano po lahat?
Pahingi po ng bill.
A quick regional note: In Visayan-speaking areas like Cebu, you’ll often hear “Tagpila?” instead of “Magkano?” for “How much?“.
Essential polite phrases
Politeness is a big part of Filipino culture. Using these words will always be appreciated.
The most important word is po, which you’ve seen in many of the examples. It’s a particle used to show respect, especially when talking to someone older or in a position of authority. When in doubt, just add po!
Salamat po.
Walang anuman.
And there you have it! With these basic phrases, you’re ready to explore the amazing world of Filipino cuisine. Don’t be shy—Filipinos are famously hospitable and will appreciate your effort to speak the language.
Kain tayo! (Let’s eat!)
